Use of subcutaneous terbutaline to reverse peripheral ischemia

Four cases are presented, one involving extravasation of a dopamine and dob utamine solution in the arm and three involving accidental digital injectio n of epinephrine into the thumb. In three cases, local infiltration of terb utaline resulted in dramatic reversal of vasospasm and ischemia, In the rem aining case the use of terbutaline resulted in minor clinical improvement. These are the first reported cases involving the successful treatment of pe ripheral ischemia with subcutaneous terbutaline. This experience suggests t hat terbutaline may be an effective alternative for treatment of peripheral ischemia when phentolamine is not available. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B, Sa unders Company.